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Viral Structure

Viral Structure

Viruses are extraordinarily diverse in shape and size, but they all have several structural features in common. All viruses have a core that contains a DNA- or RNA-based genome. The core is surrounded by a protective coat of proteins called the capsid. The capsid is composed of subunits called capsomeres. The capsid and genome-containing core are together known as the nucleocapsid.

What are Viruses?

What are Viruses?

Retrovirus Life Cycles

Retrovirus Life Cycles

Retroviruses have a single-stranded RNA genome that undergoes a special form of replication. Once the retrovirus has entered the host cell, an enzyme called reverse transcriptase synthesizes double-stranded DNA from the retroviral RNA genome. This DNA copy of the genome is then integrated into the host’s genome inside the nucleus via an enzyme called integrase. Consequently, the retroviral genome is transcribed into RNA whenever the host’s genome is transcribed, allowing the...

Retroviruses

Retroviruses

Retroviruses and retrotransposons both insert copies of their genetic elements into the genome of the host cell. Thus, the viral genes are passed on when the host genome is replicated or translated. A typical retroviral DNA sequence contains 3-4 genes that encode the different proteins required for its structural assembly and function as a molecular parasite. This DNA is transcribed into a single mRNA, which is very similar in structure to conventional mRNAs, i.e., it is capped at the 5’...

Intracellular Movement of Viruses and Bacteria

Intracellular Movement of Viruses and Bacteria

Intracellular bacteria and viruses often comprise a group of highly infectious pathogens that can cause several diseases. Bacterial pathogens include those belonging to the genus Rickettsia responsible for conditions such as rocky mountain spotted fever and the Mediterranean spotted fever; Chlamydia, a genus responsible for a sexually transmitted disease; Coxiella burnetii, an agent responsible for Q fever. Viral pathogens include vaccinia—a poxvirus, and herpes simplex virus—a...

Leaky Scanning

Leaky Scanning

During most eukaryotic translation processes, the small 40S ribosome subunit scans an mRNA from its 5' end until it encounters the first start AUG codon. The large 60S ribosomal subunit then joins the smaller one to initiate protein synthesis. The location of the translation initiation is largely determined by the nucleotides near the start codon as there may be multiple translation initiation sites present on the mRNA. Marilyn Kozak discovered that the sequence RCCAUGG (where R...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 7, 2025

Generation and Assembly of Virus-Specific Nucleocapsids of the Respiratory Syncytial Virus

Generation and Assembly of Virus-Specific Nucleocapsids of the Respiratory Syncytial Virus

Published on: July 27, 2021

Introduction: The Structural Basis of Virus Function.

Mauricio G Mateu¹

¹Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa" (CSIC-UAM), and Department of Molecular Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain. mgarcia@cbm.csic.es.

Sub-Cellular Biochemistry

|December 31, 2024

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

This chapter introduces the structural and physical biology of viruses, focusing on virions as dynamic nucleoprotein assemblies. It covers virion structure, function, and techniques for studying viral mechanics to understand the virus life cycle.

Keywords:

Antivirals Assembly intermediates Assisted assembly Biotechnology Capsid Capsid building blocks Capsid subunits Capsid-nucleic acid condensation Conformational dynamics Conformational stability Fusion Infection Nanotechnology Nucleic acid packaging Oligomerization Scaffolding proteins Self-assembly Uncoating Vaccines Viral genome Virus Virus cycle Virus entry Virus maturation Virus stability and dynamics Virus-antibody recognition Virus-receptor recognition

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Last Updated: May 7, 2025

Generation and Assembly of Virus-Specific Nucleocapsids of the Respiratory Syncytial Virus

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Published on: December 21, 2019

Area of Science:

Virology
Structural Biology
Physical Biology

Background:

Viruses are dynamic nucleoprotein assemblies essential for cellular and organismal propagation.
Infectious virus particles (virions) are metastable, balancing genome protection with infection-required structural changes.
Understanding virion structure and dynamics is crucial for comprehending viral life cycles.

Purpose of the Study:

To provide a foundational overview of viral structural and physical biology.
To introduce virology students to the fundamental concepts of virions and their functions.
To serve as a guide integrating various topics on virus structure and mechanics.

Main Methods:

Elementary overview of virion structure and function.
Concise summary of techniques in structural and physical virology.
Structure-based descriptions of virus cycle stages involving virions.

Main Results:

Virions are robust yet adaptable particles critical for viral propagation.
Structural and physical virology techniques offer insights into virus mechanics.
Virion structure dictates function throughout the viral life cycle.

Conclusions:

A comprehensive understanding of viral structural biology is key to virology.
This chapter serves as an introductory roadmap for complex viral mechanisms.
Integrating structural and physical principles enhances the study of viruses.